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Porsche Boxster / Cayman 981 S

Boxster S / Cayman S (981)2013–2016

Porsche's mid-engine two-seater — from the 986 that saved the company to the last flat-six GTS.

23 reviewers · 37 videos · 6 hours watched · 13 press articles

Generations
9861997–2004986 S2000–20049872005–2012987 S2005–20129812013–2016981 S2013–2016981 GTS2015–20169822017–2025982 S2017–2025982 GTS2018–2025
// 00 the verdict

Reviewers strongly agree on its performance and handling, but split on value.

across 23 reviewers

// where reviewers split
Value
19 say · liveable

"For a 12-year-old Cayman to still cost you the best part of 40k outside of a GTS as well, might I add, is pretty sensational."

9WERKS TV · ▶ 3:12
1 say · critical

"The biggest issue i have with this car though is the extortionate price of the options"

Carbuyer · ▶ 6:41
// the categories
// 01

Performance

4.5/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“The 2.7 liter can do naught to 60 in 5.8 seconds while the s does it 0.7 seconds faster.”

positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 3:40

“the performance and the handling of the Mid Engine box St the came in is just phenomenal I mean it makes my hair on my hands stand up”

positive · Invictus Porsche · ▶ 12:19

“The Boxster S started to get much much closer. One proper burnout a few more revs for the launch and maybe it could finally overhaul the Carrera”

positive · Car and Driver · ▶ 20:17
// 02

Handling

4.5/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“The best thing about the porsche boxster has always been its fabulous handling and thanks to a longer wider and lower body as you guessed it the new car is even better to drive than before.”

positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 0:51

“for a miden engine car the Cayman has always been a magical thing in terms of the balance and the feedback and the feel it gives you this car has taken it to a another level again”

positive · EVO · ▶ 5:35

“it's just so well balanced in the high speed Corners really stable under braking as well”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 2:31
// 03

Fun to drive

5.0/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“overall this is about as much fun as you can get in a rope car”

positive · Carbuyer · ▶ 2:03

“For a light, dynamic, and engaging sports car, this really does tick all the boxes.”

positive · 9WERKS TV · ▶ 9:17

“it's not intimidating in the slightest”

positive · EVO · ▶ 7:10
// 04

Daily drivability

4.5/523 of 23 reviewersstrong consensus

“it feels very daily driver friendly it's a little bit softer a little bit more reasonable”

positive · Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 7:25

“if you're taller you're gonna sue the 981 much more than 907 gen 2”

positive · M R SPORTSCARS PORSCHE SPECIALIST · ▶ 19:04

“it's also the car that's the most enjoyable to live with dayto day”

positive · Auto Express · ▶ 7:09
// 05

Value

4.5/523 of 23 reviewerssplit

“For a 12-year-old Cayman to still cost you the best part of 40k outside of a GTS as well, might I add, is pretty sensational.”

positive · 9WERKS TV · ▶ 3:12

“I think if there's a moral Victor here it has to be the Boxster S”

positive · Car and Driver · ▶ 22:15

“if you find the right one you can get 20 grand off of basically like a GTS buy kind of settling for an S”

positive · Tedward · ▶ 4:59

Hear it in the reviewer’s words

Driven By Satch
Posted May 19, 2022Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
KHTV
Posted May 7, 2021Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
AutoFocus Cars & Vids
Posted Jan 1, 2021Open on YouTube
Moments worth your time
More Porsche Boxster / Cayman reviews
Porsche Cayman S 981 In-Depth Review & Buying AdviceJames Nutt cars
Porsche Cayman S 981 - Complete ReviewGlenns Car Collection
Is This 981 Boxster S Really $20,000 Less Fun than the GTS?Tedward
Porsche Cayman S 2013 | evo REVIEWEVO
2013 Porsche Cayman S Thrashed - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARSThe Drive
Porsche Boxster review - CarBuyerCarbuyer
More Fun, Less Money? The Base Porsche 981 Boxster Beats the S in Real LifeElevenAfterNine
Is the 981 GTS still worth it in 2025? - Porsche 981 Cayman GTS ReviewGRIP WOLRD
Porsche Cayman 981 GTS Therapy Drive - More Fun than a GT4? (POV Binaural Audio)Tedward
Porsche Boxster Spyder - Uniquely Attainable - Fast Blast Review | Everyday DriverEverydayDriver
' 2013 / 2014 Audi TT RS (8J) ' Test Drive & Review - TheGetawayerTheGetawayer
I bought a 981 Porsche Boxster S that is TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE!Tommy L Garage
Why the Porsche Cayman 981 S is a Phenomenal Porsche?Invictus Porsche Car Sales
Should You Buy A Porsche Boxster 981 S? Review | Test DriveInvictus Porsche
The Best Porsche Cayman To Buy In 2023 and it's NOT a GT4Driven By Satch
981 Porsche Boxster S: The Porsche Boxster Is Way Better Than You Think!Ben Hardy
Should You Buy a PORSCHE BOXSTER? (2016 3.4 S Test Drive & Review)High Peak Autos
The BEST Porsche For $55k? | 2015 Cayman S Review!EddieX
Porsche Cayman 2013 review - CarBuyerCarbuyer
2015 Porsche Cayman Review // 981 prices going up!!Motormouth
Porsche 718 Cayman S - Why you should buy one!compound interest-ing
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2016 Porsche Cayman GTS | All you'd ever need...BuzzytheBlue
Head to head
From the press · 13 articles
Power325 hp
TX6-speed manual or 7-speed PDK
Curb2,976 lb
Manual✓ available